Melanie Thomas (R.J.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RONALD V. PETRILLA, Ph.D.

OFFICERS

MICHAEL T. FERRENCE, ESQ. President

LEE ECKERT Vice President

ANNA CERVENAK Treasurer

THOMAS E. PUGH Secretary

DIRECTORS

VIRGINIA H. BANKS PAULA G. BREGMAN, ESQ. NANCY S. BROWN JAMES J. BROZENA ANN M. COUGHLIN SHIRLEY FORTINSKY RICHARD GOLDBERG, ESQ. LOUIS F. GOERINGER JEAN HUGHES WILLIAM MCLAUGHLIN, JR, D.O. BRIAN O’DONNELL, O.D. SHEP PAWLING MARION POLLOCK RACHEL A. PUGH ALEX E. ROGERS CONNIE SCOTT CAROLINE YOUNGMAN

BOARD MEMBERS EMERITUS

IRVING M. BARON JOHN S. BIERNACKI, O.D. HOMER E. GRAHAM THOMAS W. JONES MARILYN M. MASLOW

1825 WYOMING AVENUE EXETER PENNSYLVANIA 18643

PHONE: 570-693-3555 TOLL FREE: 877-693-3555 FAX: 570-693-1307 www.wilkesbarreblind.com

June, 2009

Dear Friends:As a non-profit charity, the Association for the Blind depends upon private gifts from caring neighbors like you. To this end, I am very pleased to serve as this year’s Chair for the Association’s 2009 Annual Appeal. My son Richard J. Thomas, III (R.J.), age 6, was born with vision problems that will require life-long eye care. His prognosis was not very promising. The doctors stated that even after the required surgery he would be legally blind for the rest of his life. My husband and I have always encouraged our son to be the best he can be. We allow him to be as independent as his condition will allow. He is a totally typical and healthy child with a very optimistic outlook and positive personality.

His hope for accomplishment and life fulfillment came in the form of corrective lenses. Without the help of the Association for the Blind, R.J. would have never been able to make the strides he has. Because of the Association’s support in providing his much-needed eyeglasses, R.J. is now able to see 20/30 with correction in his left eye. This is remarkable considering his dismal prognosis.

In addition to R.J., my mother, my sister and I have each had a similar history of congenital eye problems and have benefitted from the good work of the Blind Association. Now the Association has become a partner in helping us raise our child ensuring that his eye care needs will also be met. We know that whenever we are in great need, we won’t be turned away.

The attached brochure describes in detail the many programs and services provided by the Association for the Blind. I’m hoping you will find it in your heart to send a gift to help others like R.J. A pledge card and return envelope are also included for your convenience.

On behalf of the entire Thomas Family, thank you for your generous support of the Association for the Blind and for making R.J.’s wonderful gift of sight possible. You have indeed changed his life.

With sincere appreciation,

Melanie Thomas (R.J.’s Mom)2009 Annual Appeal Chair

Enclosures (2)

Melanie & R.J. Thomas